Four Tales from the Arabian Nights, New York, Pantheon Books Inc., 1948 (Mourlot 36-48; C., books 18)

Details

MARC CHAGALL
Four Tales from the Arabian Nights, New York, Pantheon Books Inc., 1948 (Mourlot 36-48; C., books 18)
the complete set of twelve signed, numbered and inscribed lithographs in colors, on laid paper, the colors exceptionally fresh and strong, individual folders with text and reproductions of the artist's line drawings, title, justification and table of contents, on wove paper, each lithograph inscribed with the plate number, copy 3 of 90 (there were also 10 deluxe copies numbered I-X and 11 hors-commerce copies lettered A-K), with full margins, the palest time staining at the margin edges, otherwise in nearly pristine and seemingly untouched condition, original wove paper-covered, ribbon-tied portfolio with the printed titled (very minor wear), new slipcase. 440 x 335mm.
the set (12)

Lot Essay

Four Tales from the Arabian Nights was the first important livre d'artiste produced by Chagall and for its time, was the most significant work of this sort to be published by any artist in the United States. A personal friend, Jacques Schiffrin of Pantheon Books, commissioned Chagall to create the color lithographs shortly after he travelled from France to New York City in 1941. Chagall made twelve images, each printed in seven or eight colors, for a numbered edition of 90 copies plus 11 hors commerce (lettered A-K). He executed a thirteenth image to be printed for ten additional copies of the portfolio (numbered I-X). Each of these deluxe copies included a suite of the progressive color proofs for the thirteen plates. Mourlot notes that many copies of Four Tales from the Arabian Nights were dispersed prior to sale, so that today complete copies are rare.